Research centre tackles climate challenges

A Goolwa-based research centre is taking a collaborative approach to tackling the pressing climate challenges affecting the region.

Climate change is placing significant pressure on the region’s delicate ecosystems, with reducing river inflows, rising sea levels, increasing temperatures, more frequent and extreme climatic events, and habitat loss threatening biodiversity, ecosystems, and local communities.

To ensure that research reflects the perspectives of both community and First Nations people along with management agencies, the Coorong, Lower Lakes, and Murray Mouth (CLLMM) Research Centre has established the Research Centre Advisory Forum (RCAF).

The forum brings together stakeholders from various sectors, including representatives from Commonwealth, State, and Local Government, local councils, landscape boards, First Nations representatives, and community members to guide and oversee the centre’s research program.

Following the engagement of more than 300 individuals from 50 organisations across the region, topics were collated and discussed amongst RCAF members, which will be vital in shaping research priorities and fostering a comprehensive understanding of climate change impacts.

Under the guidance of the RCAF, the CLLMM Research Centre has identified priority research topics across four research themes – climate adaptation and ecosystem services, climate mitigation, threatened species and biodiversity – which will inform the development and delivery of a comprehensive portfolio of research projects that will tackle critical aspects of the impact of, and necessary responses to, climate change across the region.

The Research Centre is also initiating research projects that address First Nations priorities, along with those that help to share knowledge and building capacity in the community.

Following the recent prioritisation process by the RCAF, nine research topics along with flagship projects were identified focusing on estuarine connectivity, climate adaptation, ecosystem services and carbon capture potential of the region.

Other priorities identified include examining the socio-economic impacts of cumulative droughts and floods, optimising water management in the CLLMM Region, assessing the benefits and risks of landscape revegetation, synthesising knowledge on drought ecology and recovery, and investigating coastal dune migration and protection.

Researchers interested in these areas will collaborate with CLLMM Research Centre staff to develop project ideas under the guidance of the RCAF who will continue to provide oversight and direction for the research program going forward.

The CLLMM Research Centre extended its appreciation to all participants for their valuable contributions to the RCAF’s endeavours.